If you’ve been on the hunt for a soul-warming, hearty soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, then you absolutely need to try this Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe. It’s packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and the perfect twirl of pasta that swims in a richly flavored broth full of beans and herbs. This dish truly captures that cozy, stick-to-your-ribs vibe and is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests who crave comfort food with a bit of Italian charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient plays an essential part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe so delightful. From the savory ground beef to the fresh veggies and robust herbs, everything comes together beautifully to create a balanced bowl of goodness.
- 2 lbs. ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that adds depth and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and aromatic flavor when cooked down.
- 3 carrots, chopped: Bring a subtle earthiness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped: Offers a fresh crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the flavors.
- 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained: Gives acidity and juiciness, forming the soup’s savory base.
- 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creamy texture and protein-packed goodness.
- 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provides a smoother, milder bean flavor and extra fiber.
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock: Intensifies the broth with umami and richness.
- 3 tsp. oregano: Introduces warmth and a touch of Mediterranean earthiness.
- 2 tsp. pepper: Delivers a gentle heat that livens up every spoonful.
- 5 tsp. parsley: Freshens the soup with an herbal punch and a pop of green.
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional): A small kick of heat for those who like a little zing.
- 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: Adds a comforting tomatoey richness and a hint of sweetness.
- 8 ounces of pasta: The soul of this recipe—the tender pasta shapes soak up all the wonderful flavors.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating up a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, getting rid of any pink bits, then be sure to drain off the excess fat. This step is crucial because it enhances the soup’s flavor without making it greasy, laying a delicious foundation for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Next, transfer your browned beef into a crock pot. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with their juices, both red and white kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, and the optional Tabasco if you’re feeling adventurous. Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce last—its sweet tomato goodness will tie everything together perfectly.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and let the magic happen for 7 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 4 to 5 hours works as well. This slow simmer allows all those flavors to meld and develop a rich, comforting broth that every spoonful will celebrate. Patience totally pays off here.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the pasta directly into the crock pot and give everything a good stir. This timing is key to ensure the pasta cooks just right, so it’s tender but not mushy, swirling around and soaking up all the lovely flavors of the soup base.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe into bowls and enjoy it immediately. Nothing beats this soup at its freshest, garnished with some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth.
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, think freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. These simple toppings add a wonderful finishing touch, making the dish look as good as it tastes while adding layers of richness and freshness.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with rustic, crunchy breads like a classic Italian baguette or garlic bread. A simple green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar can also provide a refreshing counterbalance, making for a complete and satisfying meal that’s well-rounded and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or ceramic crocks for a cozy, inviting look. You could also top each serving with a swirl of pesto or a few chili flakes for a bit of extra brightness or spice that guests will remember. Small touches like these make Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish behaves beautifully as leftovers—just let it cool to room temperature, store in airtight containers, and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making each bite even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave out the pasta before freezing if possible, then add fresh pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then proceed as usual. The soup will warm through evenly, tasting just as comforting as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be fantastic substitutes that bring their own unique flavors to the dish.
What kind of pasta works best for Pasta Fagioli?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are traditional and work great because they cook evenly and fit nicely on a spoon with the beans and broth.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and beef stock, replacing them with vegetable stock and perhaps a bit more beans or mushrooms for texture and protein.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
You can! Brown the beef and sauté veggies in a large pot, then add the other ingredients and simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours until flavors meld. Add pasta toward the end as directed.
How spicy is this dish with Tabasco, and can I skip it?
The Tabasco adds a subtle warmth but is totally optional if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also adjust the amount to suit your taste, or leave it out completely.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients that bring everyone to the table with smiles. So why wait? Bring this delicious, crowd-pleasing soup into your kitchen and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort today.
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Pasta Fagioli That Is Bound to Be a Hit Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered together to create a comforting Italian-American stew. Slow-cooked in a crock pot for rich flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
Beans and Tomatoes
- 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock
- 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce (optional)
Herbs and Spices
- 3 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. black pepper
- 5 tsp. parsley
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (any small shape like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain the excess fat to reduce grease in the stew.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to a crock pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with their juice, red and white kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, parsley, Tabasco sauce if using, and the jar of spaghetti sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook the stew: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add pasta before serving: About 30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the pasta. This timing ensures the pasta cooks through without becoming mushy.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hearty Pasta Fagioli into bowls and serve hot, ideally with crusty warm bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Any small pasta shape like ditalini or elbow macaroni works best in this recipe.
- For a spicier stew, add more Tabasco or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer thicker stew, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid before adding pasta.
- This stew reheats well and flavors often improve the next day.
